Music festival '˜will be the perfect way to remember our Matt'

Matthew Carscadden, 27, tragically died after having a cardiac arrest on Friday, June 2; his life support was switched off four days later.

Matthew had been working in Florida, with a full-time job working on the luxury cruise ship Silver Cloud.

He grew up in Rowner, attending Brune Park School before doing an engineering apprenticeship at Portsmouth Dockyard.

His father, Gary Carscadden, said: ‘Matt was a healthy 27-year-old man in the prime of life and we are devastated to have lost him.’

Now, a festival has been announced by his friends, to help cover the funeral costs.

Benn Gunn, 30, is a self-employed floorlayer; he and his family were very friendly with Matthew.

Benn said: ‘I and a few of the other lads were really close with Matthew when we were all growing up.

‘We were all heartbroken when we found out that he had passed away. It is such a tragic loss of life.

‘One thing that we noticed is that the costs following his death were extortionate. Not only did the family have to pay for his medical expenses –which were really high – then they had to pay to get his body back to the UK; all of this before they even start to pay for the funeral.’

Benn says that the festival is a perfect tribute to Matthew, and will also be an exciting event for all the family.

He explained: ‘As well as having a bunch of bands performing – I’m in a couple of them myself – we will also be holding a bandeoke. It is like a karaoke, but instead of singing along to a machine, you’re singing with a band.

‘It is all music that Matt would have enjoyed – he was always very honest about music, so if he didn’t like a track he would certainly let you know about it.’

The event is taking place on Friday, August 18 at The Lounge in Lees Lane, Gosport, from 7pm to midnight.

Tickets will cost £5 and are available by calling (023) 9307 8658.